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Emerald Ash BorerIntroduction | Frequently Asked Questions | Tree Talk Column | Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions What is Emerald Ash Borer? Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an imported insect that kills native ash trees in the U.S. Where did it come from? EAB is thought to have come from Asia to the U.S. Great Lakes Region in wood pallets or crates shipped on planes and/or cargo ships. It was first identified in Michigan in 2002. Can we do anything to keep it out of Upper Arlington? There is nothing available at the present time to stop EAB from moving into Upper Arlington. You can, however, do your part to slow its arrival by not transporting firewood or planting new ash trees (EAB can be transported in firewood and nursery stock). Where has it been found in Ohio? EAB has been found in more than one-third of Ohio’s counties so far. The infestation continues to spread, with new counties added to the quarantine zone every few months. What kind of damage does it do? EAB larvae tunnel under the bark of the tree and feed on and damage the phloem, which is responsible for the transport of nutrients to the roots. This causes the crown to thin, branches to die, and eventually, the death of the entire tree. White, green, and blue ash are common in Upper Arlington, and all are susceptible. When is it likely to arrive in Central Ohio? EAB is established in Delaware, Fairfield and Franklin Counties now. It has been found as close as Worthington, but not yet in Upper Arlington. What should homeowners be doing to prepare for this insect? Homeowners should establish a relationship with a Certified Arborist to monitor and maintain their trees. Other trees could also be planted now to prepare for the loss of ashes. Several local companies offer protective pesticide treatments that work well if applied properly every year to healthy ash trees. Valuable trees should be treated before being infested, and treatments must be applied annually. How much does it cost to remove an ash tree? Dying or dead trees should be removed promptly. Costs could range from $100 up to several thousand dollars to remove a tree, depending on tree size, condition and location. Residents should hire reputable companies that can provide proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. What is the City doing to manage ash trees in the public right of way? Beginning in 2006, the City began removing ash trees over an eight to ten year period (at the rate of roughly 10% a year), with the trees in poor condition being removed first and replaced with other species. So far, over 100 ash trees along City streets have been removed, with more planned soon. The City Tree Commission continues to monitor EAB migration in the event the schedule needs to be adjusted. How do homeowners know if they have ash trees in the street right of way? The City has a record of all trees in the right of way and can tell residents the species of any street tree. To identify ashes in your yard, you can look at branch attachment (branches are attached to the trunk directly opposite of each other); leaf composition (ashes have a compound leaf containing seven to eleven leaflets); and the fruit (ashes have samaras which look like a miniature paddle). Many books and websites can help, including the City’s website www.ua-ohio.net. What is the City doing about ash trees in the parks? Ashes in the parks along pathways or near buildings will be removed when they become a threat to public safety. Trees that are in wooded areas and are no threat to people or buildings will be left to fall and decay naturally. Will the City force residents to remove ash trees in their yards? City Code § 907.03(B) is the code allowing the City to enforce removal of privately owned hazardous trees, at the expense of the homeowner, if a tree is a threat to the right of way or public safety. The code allows a staff Certified Arborist to determine if a private tree has become a hazard to persons, buildings, or structures on private property, and to enforce the removal of those trees in cases where the tree owner will not take action. This is necessary because once an ash tree dies of an EAB infestation, it becomes very brittle and is much more likely to fall or break apart. Ash trees that are healthy or do not present a danger to others can be left or removed at the property owner’s discretion. Why is the City’s cost recovery set at 150% for private tree removals? To cover administrative costs and to encourage property owners to utilize professional arborists directly instead of forcing the City to get involved, the City charges or assesses private property owners for 150% of removal costs if the City is forced to remove dangerous trees on private property. How can I find out more? EAB Hotline: 1-888-OHIO-EAB The Ohio State University Web site. Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry Ohio Department of Agriculture Map of the Quarantine Zone Updated 12/3/07 Parks & Forestry Division Parks & Recreation Department City of Upper Arlington 3600 Tremont Road Upper Arlington, OH 43221 Phone: 614-583-5340 www.ua-ohio.net |
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